Case Study: Borda D’Água App

Context: Reimagining a beautifully old publication into a digital experience

Borda D'Água's project was a test for a job interview. I redesigned the publication in four days for an iPhone App. Borda D'Água is a yearly publication with diverse information and various customer groups. It covers topics like astrology, moons, tides, agricultural tips, markets, holidays, sunset and sunrise times. However, the main challenge was capturing the traditional aspects of Borda D'Água in a digital version. The old illustrations, small size, texture, and uncut pages are all symbols of tradition and uniqueness. It has been printed using the same type of printer since 1929. Learn more about Borda D'Água's history here.

Process: A deconstruction content-first approach

I decided to prioritize content and, because function determines form, I began by breaking down the printed content. I sketched out the printed content on paper to create a visual outline. I needed to break the content down into separate sections so I could redesign it for a different format.

As I deconstructed the pages and sections of the printed layouts, I started thinking about how it would be more helpful to have information tailored to your interests. Not everyone who needs publications for sea-level consultation would necessarily be interested in fairs, famous people's deaths, horoscopes, or local markets. The same publication is used by different people with different purposes.

Some may be interested in agriculture, while others may be interested in it as a hobby. There may also be tips on how to clean silver or information on holidays. So, I kept thinking, with so much information available, shouldn't the app be able to understand your interests and help you navigate? That became the main concept behind the project.

Concept: Breaking up content by fine-tuning interests

An effective Information Architecture was crucial for the project which is why I designed a system where personalization based on interests would be the initial way to filter information on the app. It's essentially the same as before, but more user-friendly and tailored to your needs. This will save time for users in the future, while still providing access to all information at any given time.

Identity and visual choices: Maintaining original features

The Borda D'Água app has two levels of information. The first level is a scroll of monthly cards that show your personalized areas of interest. The second level is the inside screen, which displays all the monthly happenings in a day-by-day view similar to the printed version. You can use the search bar to find something specific, or you can use the menu to navigate. The visual design includes a modern and neutral sans-serif typeface for contrast, as well as a serif typeface that resembles what we see in the publication. The icons chosen represent different themes and serve as visual markers throughout the app. The color palette deliberately consists of gray, white, and red. The red color is used to distinguish original versions from fake ones on the front page.

You can check out the project wireframes and some screens here.